Few things are less satisfying than the approval of others. Do you want to impress your boss, your neighbors, your friends? Do you want to make your family proud? You can easily spend your whole life chasing a few encouraging words from important people in your life. And even if you do manage to catch… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC You want more money, but things never work out right. Until one day they do. For the first time in your adult life, you can look at your bank account without your stomach twisting into knots. Now what? Now that you have more resources, you’ve taken on a bigger mortgage,… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC When you think of depression, you likely think of sadness. You may imagine someone struggling to get out of bed, or slumped teary-eyed in front of the TV. And yes, depression does manifest in such symptoms for many people. However, irritability, edginess and explosive anger are also common signs… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC Suppose you wake up in a prison cell, where you discover your only cell mate: the person you got you sentenced to prison, and for a crime you didn’t commit. What’s the fair thing to do? The fair thing is for your cell mate to take responsibility, to say “I… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC If you’re in a serious romantic relationship and you’re not complimenting your partner every day, you’re missing the low-hanging fruit. Relationships are hard work, but this part can be easy–if you let it. So your spouse can’t keep a job. This is a problem. But your spouse also makes… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC In the fifteen years I’ve been working with couples, the vast majority of initial couples sessions begin the same way. We’ve been together X years, and we really love each other. When things are good, they’re really good–but when things are bad they’re really bad. Lately, small fights turns into… CONTINUE

by James Robbins, M.A., LPC The vast majority of romantic relationships are transactional. Consider the most traditional marital “transaction.” The male is the sole breadwinner. He provides financially for the family, keeps everyone physically safe and protects the family from the stresses “out there.” In turn, the female addresses challenges closer to home, the “in… CONTINUE

My wife and I recently celebrated our 22nd Anniversary. (10 years of dating, 12 years of marriage.) We’ve been through a lot over these two-plus decades—and really, who hasn’t? But this much is certain: We now enjoy more peacefulness, passion and spiritual connection within our relationship than ever before. So what’s our secret? First, we… CONTINUE